Mugabe Resignation: AU must lead charge against entrenched leaders – Political scientist

The Head of Political Science Department of the University of Ghana says the leadership of the African Union (AU) should lead the charge to prevent African presidents from entrenching themselves in power.

Dr Bossman Asare believes if development is to sweep through Africa, then the AU should take concrete steps to prevent one person from ruling a country for more than 10 years.

He, however, discarded the possibility that the West may be behind the military intervention in Zimbabwe and the consequent pressure that forced the one-time war veteran to resign in such an infamous manner.

“It’s just one of those conspiracy theories, in Africa once something goes wrong people find solace in blaming the West for it”, he said.

Dr. Asare also believes that Mugabe’s ousting could set a precedent to similar orchestrations on the continent considering the fact that some other African leaders, like Mugabe, have entrenched themselves in power contrary to the will of the people.

"In Togo for example, one family has been in power for about 50 years now and in Equatorial Guinea, one man has been president for 38 years and there’re no clear actions to oust him", he cited.

Dr Asare also said the AU should put in place measures that will prevent African leaders from changing their constitution which will allow them to continue ruling since “this subverts the will of the people”.

Referencing the European Union (EU), he noted that one person cannot keep himself in power for a period that violates the constitution and urged the AU to follow suit.